A new gel-based material developed by University of Florida chemical engineers filters PFAS from water more efficiently than many widely used commercial options.
Described by the research team as “molecular Velcro,” the new material uses electrical charges designed to trap PFOA, one of the most abundant versions of PFAS in the environment. The gel allows PFOA molecules to bind throughout the material rather than only on its surface, improving its filtration capacity.
The gel can then be used multiple times by flushing out the PFOA with common solvents.
One of the researchers’ goals was to identify a way to filter out PFAS without relying on fluorinated materials. If those materials break down, they can potentially release fluorinated compounds back into the environment.
By building polymers whose chemistry can be adjusted piece by piece, the researchers hope to uncover broader rules for trapping PFAS. This includes compounds that are harder to remove from water than PFOA.
“Maybe we can create new design principles or a better understanding of existing materials to overcome some of the big challenges that commercial treatment processes can't really do,” said lead author Joshua Moon, a professor of chemical engineering at the University of Florida.
Moon’s lab is now working to further test and refine their PFAS-filtering methods for potential application in commercial and municipal water filtration.
Data from University of Florida